A sneeze, a laugh, a jump, and a little leak. If that happens to you, you have a lot of company. Leaking with pressure on your bladder is called stress urinary incontinence, and it's very common, especially after pregnancy and childbirth, around menopause, with age, and for some men after prostate surgery.
Why it happens
Your pelvic floor muscles support your bladder and help keep it closed. When they're stretched or weakened, sudden pressure from a cough or sneeze can push a little urine out.
What helps
- Pelvic floor exercises (Kegels). Find the muscles you'd use to stop peeing midstream. (Don't practice while you're actually peeing, though.) Squeeze for 3 to 5 seconds, relax for the same time, and repeat 10 times, a few times a day. Most people notice a difference after several weeks.
- A pelvic floor physical therapist. They can make sure you're doing the exercises right and build a plan for you.
- Watch bladder irritants. Caffeine, alcohol and fizzy drinks can make leaks worse. Don't cut back on water, though: concentrated urine can irritate your bladder too.
- Use the right protection. Pads and underwear made for bladder leaks absorb urine and control odor far better than period products.
When to see a doctor
Bladder leaks are treatable, so it's worth mentioning to your doctor even if they're mild. Go sooner if leaking starts suddenly, or comes with pain, burning, blood in your urine or fever.
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This article is for general information and isn't medical advice.